Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's transfer to-do list seems to be growing by the week.
Manchester United at first were told they needed a new winger, before the suggestion of recruiting a new full back seemed like a priority. Weeks into the new season and it was a move for midfield reinforcement which was touted, but now the focus is firmly on signing a new striker in the January transfer window.
Should Marcus Rashford manage to maintain his irresistible goal-scoring form it wouldn't be surprise to see the priority change ahead of the transfer market's reopening.
Yet the recruiting of new talent isn't the only issue which Solskjaer needs to tackle, and ensuring future stars remain at Old Trafford should be just as important.
Angel Gomes looks like the glaring concern for the United manager as the final half a season of his contract at the club begins to gradually tick away.
The 19-year-old Salford-raised midfielder has long been touted as a future star of Old Trafford and fans have strongly supported their local hero ever since he burst onto the scene five years ago.
Injury hampered hopes of playing time for Gomes ahead of the recent international break, but even given his recent setback the playing time he has received simply is not enough.
A source close to Gomes told the MEN earlier this season discussions with United 'were not going well', however it is unclear whether doubts around his future are the reason for just 167 minutes of first-team football this campaign. Solskjaer heavily reduced Ander Herrera's playing time when it became apparent he would leave last season, and the Norwegian is eager to demand authority by only giving minutes to those who deserve it.
But what makes the scenario rather bizarre is the fact Solskjaer blocked a loan move Gomes had lined up in January and made him a central figure of the pre-season tour squad.
His reward was an impressive string of performances which peaked with Gomes' incredible solo strike to secure a late victory over Tottenham in Shanghai. Even if he isn't ready to start every week, the unbelievable talent which he possesses can't be denied.
The argument at the moment seems to be that Gomes needs to commit his future to the club before he is rewarded with minutes on the pitch, but with little to show for the last few months of action the temptation to leave must surely be growing.
Injury to Paul Pogba as well as the expected absence of Scott McTominay leaves Solskjaer with somewhat of a midfield dilemma this weekend, and given the stubbornness of Sheffield United's defence, creativity will be essential in securing a result.
In order to convince Gomes to commit his future to his boyhood club Solskjaer must prove there is genuine opportunity for him to progress at Old Trafford. And on the weekend when Ravel Morrison will be reunited with his former side, the United manager must do his part to make sure Gomes isn't the next wonder-kid who fails to make the grade at the club.
Ceyainop
0
my team
[image]
Are you united fan? You are the ones killing man utd
Ceyainop
0
He should leave. Useless teenager. Especially than Chong. Can Gomez speak when foden talks?
Ceyainop
0
I'll never forgive them if this boy leaves
He played European league and did nothing. Him and Chong are useless. Especially that thing Chong. Can they open their mouth and speak if they are in clubs like city or Liverpool. This is United bro and you should even be ashamed of yourself for saying this. If he is playing for city he will hardly even play Carlin cup. Are you not seeing city’s second choice? So he is your second choice and you want to qualify for champions league and earn respect with this Gomez and that thing Chong? Children of nowadays 🤦♂️ imagine Chong and Gomez talking about leaving Man U after even playing lots of game against lazy team and couldn’t even do anything. They are both matured than greenwood yet he is the only one who is providing himself. Look at Foden at city. Very talented then look at your Mr Gomez and Chong. I just don’t like that Chong at all
Hoydeknuz
0
keep this lad United(A.Gomes) at all cost
Sezcdiklmt
0
i know before end of season chong and gomez will renew their contract
Vabblmops
1
my team
Bestonwizzy
0
He is still very young!! He stay and understand the situation presently that united are trying to build a strong club... It is not time for trials and test... He still need time before he can start for united!!!
soucdeilm
2
a very good player
Lomadkr
1
I'll never forgive them if this boy leaves
mzeereal
2
Ole need better more experience player to make him and the team at top . he should just loan some young players so they can come back with more experience
EAsoft
1
He is a great player and he will shine
Mowcdeoryz
0
he's playing at a level that is too easy for him
[image]
I totally agree with you. His performance at the U19,U21 and U23 level is like too easy for him when you watch their games.
Lecaklnosz
2
He is better than Andre's Pereira
Mocca
0
Needs to be sent out on loan to a decent championship club. Would massively help his development.
princesss
1
He HAS to be a part of the first team soon. At least I’m hoping he does
Biyamba
0
Problem with Gomes is he has 3 senior players ahead of him in his position and by the time one of them leaves we will bring in another in.
Adobelive
0
Needs to prove himself out wide to command the 10 position. No big club in the world gives the number 10 to just anybody.
Galeary
0
Offer new contract but loan out to Belgian or Dutch league where he will start regularly
Adobelive
0
Surely if Ole isn’t going to play some of these youngsters then send them out on loan.
Citymen
0
He needs to be a first 15 squad player. Give him the chance to come on and influence games.
paddler
0
Gomes really needs a loan in the championship, WBA if they dont go up, or a team like that
Shameeze
0
he needs to have some quality around him that will allow, and build his need to perform
secretary
0
Offer him a new contract, send him on loan to a strong side in the EFL championship
gaopeiost
2
he's playing at a level that is too easy for him
LoveKun
1
hope he stays and competes for #10 which is a huge role that needs time & application esp for a 19 year old.
Odyssey
0
I say if we don't see him feature for united then he is off his contract is up shame really serious talent
Adobelive
0
He is very good and he deserves to to play at Man U.
prosperoa
0
Man needs better competition!
Adobelive
0
Only reason i can think of is that hes going in the summer, otherwise he should be around the first team in every game
Adobelive
0
If he doesn’t see a significant increase in appearances get used to seeing him play in a shirt that isn’t United’s.
Abdullahs
0
How soon does he arrive in the main team?
lusceklprt
0
mieeimn
0
This is not the time United need to be testing this kids.... If he wants to go sell him with clause.
ogb1oo
0
He's overlooked because Ole doesn't like creative players
Pebcopuy
0
good stuff